Air Fryer For Battered Food: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but can you use battered food in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of batter. Wet batter is not suitable for air fryers as it will create a mess and won't set in the same way as when it's submerged in oil, resulting in a lack of crunch. However, a coating or dry batter can be used, and some recipes even suggest double-dipping for an extra crispy finish.

Using a wet batter in an air fryer

However, some people have experimented with using wet batter in an air fryer with varying degrees of success. One person reported that a wet dredge batter, similar to what you would use for deep-fried foods, worked well for cauliflower florets. They dipped the florets in a batter of water, oil, cornstarch, and flour, then cooked them in the air fryer, resulting in a remarkably crispy texture.

Another person shared a recipe for beer-battered fish in an air fryer. The key to their success was double-dipping the fish in batter and then flour, and generously coating it with olive oil spray before placing it in the air fryer.

If you want to attempt using a wet batter in your air fryer, it is important to note that the results may vary and it may not be as effective as deep frying. Additionally, it is recommended to use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket to make cleanup easier.

How to get a crunchy shell on battered food

Yes, you can cook battered food in an air fryer, but it won't be as crispy as deep-fried food. The key to getting a crunchy shell on battered food in an air fryer is to use a wet batter that mimics the shell formed during deep-frying. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Use a Wet Batter

A wet batter made with a blend of flour, cornstarch, oil, and water can create a crunchy shell on battered food in an air fryer. Cornstarch is crucial as it bolsters the crisping power of flour, resulting in a thinner, crispier, and sturdier coating. It also prevents gluten formation during mixing, ensuring a tender and delicate texture. The oil helps the food brown evenly.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

If your air fryer has a wire-like basket, line it with parchment paper before placing the battered food. This prevents the batter from dripping into the basket and making cleanup difficult.

Food Arrangement

Arrange the battered food in the air fryer so that hot air can circulate around each piece as much as possible. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Lightly Spray Oil

If your battered food has a crumbly or floury texture, lightly spray it with oil. This can help bind the batter and coating, leading to a crispier result. However, be careful not to use too much oil, as it can make the food soggy.

Suitable Foods

While the above techniques are suitable for most battered foods, some specific foods that work well in an air fryer include cauliflower florets, broccoli, Brussels sprout halves, carrot coins, and sweet potato chunks.

Alternative Methods

If you are not satisfied with the crispiness achieved in an air fryer, you can try alternative cooking methods. Shallow pan-frying or using a countertop deep fryer can get you closer to the traditional deep-fried texture.

Pre-fried and frozen battered food in an air fryer

Pre-fried and frozen battered food can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer does a great job of cooking the battered food with a crispy finish. The type of batter does not matter, but beer batter or tempura are popular choices. It is recommended to lightly coat the food with oil using a cooking spray to help the batter crisp up.

When cooking pre-fried and frozen battered food in an air fryer, it is important to not overload the appliance. Cooking in batches is recommended to ensure even cooking and to prevent sogginess. The recommended temperature and cooking time may need to be adjusted as air fryers have different settings and cook food faster than a traditional oven. It is suggested to reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees and cut the cooking time in half, checking the food periodically to prevent overcooking.

Preheating the air fryer is also important, as it helps to evaporate the water in the frozen food, preventing it from becoming mushy. Some air fryers do not have a preheat setting, but the temperature can be estimated by opening the basket or using an oven-safe thermometer.

While air fryers are a great option for cooking pre-fried and frozen battered food, it is important to note that they are not suitable for wet batters. Wet batter can create a mess in the air fryer and will not set properly without an oil bath, resulting in a chewy texture instead of the desired crispiness.

Air-frying battered chicken

Yes, you can use battered food in an air fryer! Here is a detailed guide on how to air-fry battered chicken:

Ingredients

• 2 lb. bone-in skin-on chicken pieces, mix of cuts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt
• ½ cup corn starch, or replace with more flour
• 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Oil for spraying chicken, Canola, Peanut, Vegetable, or olive oil

Method

• Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices for the marinade in a large bowl. Add chicken and mix to combine. Cover and marinate for up to 24 hours or use right away.
• Pre-heat the air fryer to 375F.
• In a medium shallow bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and spices for breading. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the buttermilk batter into the flour mixture and mix it through with a fork.
• Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and press flour on the top of the chicken to form a thick crust. Transfer the chicken to a pre-heated air fryer in a single layer without overlapping. You may need to work in batches if needed.
• Generously spray chicken with oil or brush it down with oil. You will need to apply a generous layer, enough to coat all the breading, or the flour will not cook and create a crispy crust. If at any point during the cooking you still see raw flour, go ahead and brush it with a little more oil. The more oil you apply, the crunchier the crust will be.
• Set the air fryer to 30 minutes and start. After 15 minutes, flip the chicken and lightly spray the other side with oil. Continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°. Repeat with the remaining chicken as needed.

Tips

• If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir and let rest for 5 minutes until the mixture curdles.
• If you don't have cornstarch on hand, you can use just flour.
• If you are using an air fryer with a wire-like basket, the batter has a tendency to drip. To avoid this, lay down a sheet of parchment paper before placing the chicken inside.
• If you want to avoid using oil, you can place a small bit of water in the bottom of your air fryer to prevent smoking.

Air-frying battered fish

Yes, you can cook battered food in an air fryer, including battered fish! Here is a detailed guide on how to air-fry battered fish.

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (e.g. cod)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)
• Beer
• Egg
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable/olive oil
• Tartar sauce (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Malt vinegar (optional)

Steps to Prepare the Battered Fish

Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. In a separate bowl, prepare a batter by mixing flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Add beer and egg to the mixture and stir until smooth. Refrigerate the batter for at least 20 minutes. In a shallow dredging pan, combine flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dip the fish fillets into the batter, coating all sides. Let the excess batter drip off, then coat each fillet with the seasoned flour.

Steps to Air-Fry the Battered Fish

Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. Generously spritz both sides of the coated fish fillets with vegetable or olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Air-fry for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden. Check the fish for doneness by testing with a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. If necessary, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Tips

• Ensure the fish fillets are thick (at least 1-1.5 inches) to prevent overcooking.
• Remove as much moisture from the fish as possible before battering to avoid sogginess.
• Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fish in batches if needed.
• Generously spritz the fish with oil to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and malt vinegar for a traditional fish and chips experience!

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried battered fish!

Frequently asked questions